Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (15.2003(2004))

MAREA

EGYPT

A section 2 m wide in front of the apse
belonged to the part intended for liturgical
function. The altar had presumably stood
here, separated by a wall from the rest of the
church. Remains of this wall can still be seen
adjoining the pastophorium walls. Un-
covered walls with traces of small columns,
each of a diameter equal to 22 cm, must have
been the foundation of the altar situated in
front of the steps to the apse. Elements of the
marble chancel surrounding the altar were
identified in the fill: these included two
posts and fragments of a screen decorated
with a cross in a bejeweled wreath and with
palmettes on either side (Fig. 9).

The northern wing of the transept was
also cleared in the course of this season
(Fig. 10, cf. also Fig. 3). At a depth
of 1.50 m below the surviving top of
the wall, a stone support for a column
the excavator found as well as a column
shaft, which was complete and which
measured 2.2l.m in lenght and 35 cm in
diameter.
Three massive buttresses that had
been recorded on Grossmann’s plan on
the outside of the apse wall were now
cleared. Yet another buttress supported
the wall of the northern aisle of the
basilica (see Fig. 3)■


Fig. 10. Basilica. The northern wing of the transept after exploration. View from the west
(Photo T. Kalarus)

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